As part of their ongoing effort to raise public awareness of the importance of Japan’s ODA programme for Africa and the positive impact of that programme upon the lives of millions of Africans, the ADC, in conjunction with Honorable Yoshitake Kimata in his capacity as Chairman of the House of Councillors’ Committee on ODA, held a joint press conference at the Japan Press Centre on Tuesday 10 November, 2009.

Hon. Kimata had just returned from an ODA fact-finding mission to Kenya, South Africa and Uganda.

The Ambassador of Egypt, as Chairman of the ADC’s Media and Culture Committee, served as Moderator.  Also on the Podium were the Dean – the Ambassador of Gabon, the Ambassador of South Africa, the Ambassador of Uganda and the Charge d’affaires of Kenya  -  representatives of the three countries visited by the Parliamentary delegation  -  and Hon Yoshitake Kimata, Chairman of the Parliamentary delegation.

The Ambassador of Egypt opened the briefing session by welcoming the media representatives, introducing those on the Podium and outlining the format of the briefing.

The Dean then made a presentation on behalf of the ADC.

He began by thanking Hon Kimata, Hon Yamamoto and Hon Kimei for having visited Africa, and for having taken the time, both prior to their departure and upon their return from Africa, to meet and to exchange views with representatives of the ADC.

Highlighting the importance of Japanese ODA to Africa, the Dean expressed appreciation for the support provided by Japan, over a considerable period of time, in support of the African development agenda.  He noted that whereas, traditionally, the primary focus of such support had been on social development, TICAD IV had seen the introduction of a new element of Japanese assistance  -  specifically the focus on boosting economic growth, including the development of economic infrastructure  -  in line with Africa’s own priorities as defined by the African Union and NEPAD.

The complete notes on the Dean’s Speech can be downloaded here.

Hon Kimata took the floor, introducing himself, explaining his position as Chairman of the House of Councillors’ Committee on ODA and Related Matters and providing basic details of the visit he and two other Committee members had made recently to Kenya, South Africa and Uganda.

A full record of the Press Briefing can be downloaded here.